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Regional updates were heard at the Cline Shale Alliance luncheon, held this past Friday at The Center of TSTC (Texas State Technical College) in Sweetwater.Nine counties were represented in the updates, which cited significant growth as the Cline Shale oil exploration and development continues. Many entities offered brief reports and presentations from their respective area, such as Howard County.For Nolan County, the city of Roscoe has seen some development in trucking and housing while also boosting the Roscoe Collegiate Independent School District. In addition, Sweetwater has been examining the Cline Shale since January 2012 and has grown as a result, although they continue to prepare by learning from the Eagleford Shale.In Mitchell County, work continues to prepare for the oil play, especially due to the fact that housing is a constant concern. There are other projects in the works, such as a new power plant to be constructed near the town of Westbrook.Furthermore, Brown County is seeing some development, as they are currently working on a housing survey. And at a recent meeting which offered updates of their county, Tom Green has seen building permits increase.Scurry County cited state-wide growth, in that 32,000 jobs have been created in Texas from the oil industry. On the national front, Texas boasts 39% of all drilling jobs in America.The economy of Texas is faring well, even from an international standpoint. While the development proves to be an "exciting time," assistance from nearby counties is vital.Although Ector County is located outside of the Cline Shale, growth is very evident in the Permian Basin in business, construction and the workforce. But because of their current oil development ventures, the county is currently dealing with concerns like water, affordable housing and increased traffic as well as driving fatalities.In addition, Taylor County is also preparing to offer support and services as they are positioned east of the shale. Businesses — some not related to oil — are taking an interest in the area, leading to continued work alongside real estate developers and builders.This article is part two of a four-part series which offers a recap of the quarterly Cline Shale Alliance luncheon held in Sweetwater on Friday, April 12.